Based on "Happiness" by Raymond Carver

So early it's still pretty dark out.

I'm at the counter with coffee,
He’s up to his usual early morning stuff
Ready to run and asking me to lock him out.

Then I see the girls come down,
already dressed in their clothes
eager to pack their schoolbags. 

They wear clean shirts and leggings,

and the little one has on her favorite hat.
They are pleased with themselves, my girls.
They aren't saying a word.

I think if I weren’t here, they would embrace.

It's early in the morning,
and they are doing what they are supposed to do.

I go upstairs, cautiously.
Their beds are made,
though I haven’t reached my bedroom yet-

And such relief that for a minute-

expectation, desire, even respect
doesn't enter into this.

Happiness. It comes on unexpectedly. 

And all he did was make the bed.